Every year on Valentine’s Day couples go out of their way to treat their each other to the most romantic night of their lives — and it ain’t cheap. The average American adult will spend upwards of hundreds of dollars in total on Valentine’s Day on romantic items like candy, wine, and flowers, and those industries raise the prices of these goods annually, making Valentine’s Day potentially the most expensive date night of the year.Imagine it’s Valentine’s evening, a typical teen has reservations for his significant other at that expensive Italian place on Main Street. They have a gorgeous candlelight dinner with a bottle of sparking grape juice and he even got a couple roses for his sweetheart — after all, Valentine’s Day is all about treating her to a night she won’t forget. Well, the bill is something that won’t be forgotten either when this teenager wakes up the next morning. According to the financial planning company Houston Asset Management’s “Cost of Loving Index”(A study that shows the change in price of typical Valentine’s Day goods) it’s going to cost around $280 (as of 2015). Roses are one of the worst cases of a dramatic price shift on Valentine’s Day, having increased in price by $25 just over the span of a year. Roses usually range from prices $20 $75, but on Valentine’s Day prices skyrocket to $95, according to Bankrate’s 2017 “Be My Valentine” Index. Bankrate’s cost predictions for 2017 roung out at nearly $600 for an adult buying chocolates, roses, diamond earrings, a swanky dinner, and a bottle of champagne. Take out the jewelry and alcohol, and the price tag is still $205. The National Retail Federation, however, says people on average won’t spend more than $200. Men tend to spend approximately $200, while will women will only spend around $100. Luxuries targeted for a female demographic are generally more expensive. These priceyr holidays can be especially brutal for some high school students who typically lack the funds for an extravagant date night. Some students have thought of innovative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a fun, yet frugal ways. Galentine’s Day is celebrated the day before Valentine’s, a parody derived from the television show “Parks and Recreation.” It’s a holiday being celebrated by women across the country. “It’s when a bunch of women and their friends all get together generally over a meal of some sort.” says Pioneer junior Emily Ohl. “They appreciate each other, have a good time, and it’s more so focused on female empowerment rather than your significant other.” Some have even planned to make it a cost-minus event “There’s going to be a clothing exchange, which is free because we’re just bringing our old clothes,” said junior Maya Krugman, also a participant in the Galentine’s Day event. By coordinating with friends they’re able to save money by having everyone contribute. “It’s definitely a much cheaper alternative,” explained Ohl. “You’re pooling all of these resources together, rather than spending a large sum of money for one person.”Valentine’s Day can be a time to cherish that special someone, and spending a lot capital isn’t always necessary. There are still plenty of ways to show appreciation for someone, without breaking open the piggy bank.